indigenous peoples

The National Service Training Program Diliman Office (NSTP Diliman Office) partnered with Kabataan Para sa Tribung Pilipino (KATRIBU) in their annual outreach-immersion called “Paskuhan sa Tribu.” Simply called “Paskuhan,” the activity aims to provide free medical services for the benefit of indigenous peoples (IPs) who lack access to healthcare while expressing solidarity with these communities who have been facing human rights violations and issues related to development aggression. ON ADDRESSING THE HEALTH CONCERNS OF THE COMMUNITY For 2018, Paskuhan specifically wanted to address a measles outbreak in a Dumagat community situated in Tanay, Rizal and Gen. Nacar, Quezon. As of July 2018, a total of seventy (70) cases of measles have been recorded. Children below ten (10) years old were especially vulnerable to measles and its complications. Eighteen (18) of the cases resulted to deaths among infants and children. With this, Sitio Nayon, Barangay Sta. Ines in Tanay Rizal, the most accessible convening area for the Dumagats from other barangays, served as venue for the Paskuhan. From December 18 to 20, volunteers from KATRIBU and other partner organizations, along with volunteer doctors, nurses and barangay health workers conducted the outreach-immersion. The medical mission itself was conducted on December 19 to 20. A total of three hundred twenty-four (324) patients were catered to during the medical mission. One (1) infant was immediately brought to Cabading District Hospital to treat the health complications brought about by measles. To address the vulnerability of infants and children to measles, supplements were given to children to increase their immunity to the disease.  Seventeen (17) children were also given deworming medicine. Other health concerns by members of the community were also addressed during the medical check-ups. Medicines and supplements (with prescriptions) were given away in a make-shift pharmacy. A documentation and discussion on the health situation of the community, and an orientation on basic health was also conducted to complement the two-day medical mission. Seeing the Dumagat’s living situation and hearing their narratives, the volunteer health workers inferred that some of the possible causes for the outbreak may include the following: Lack of access to health […]